Walgreen Sees Customers Delaying Prescriptions

Walgreen Co.'s chief executive, sorting through the details that led to a 6.7% drop in profit on a 7% rise in quarterly sales, said, "Consumer behavior has changed dramatically in recent months, beyond just the kinds of products they are purchasing."

Rising unemployment and other economic problems are causing Americans to visit the doctor less often, resulting in fewer prescriptions being written and filled in the U.S., Walgreen Chief Executive Gregory Wasson said in a conference call with analysts.